Roderick Chisholm was an influential American philosopher known for his work in epistemology, metaphysics, and the philosophy of action. Born in 1911, he made significant contributions to the understanding of knowledge and belief, particularly through his discussions on the nature of perception and the concept of "agent causation." Chisholm is also recognized for his defense of foundationalism, a theory in epistemology that suggests certain beliefs are justified independently of others. His writings have had a lasting impact on contemporary philosophy, influencing many scholars and shaping debates in various philosophical fields.